Lexington, KY Tourism Bets Its New Ad Campaign on Social Media

Cheryl Truman, The Lexington Herald-Leader

- Sep 20, 2013 10:45 am

Skift Take

Lexington’s new tourism campaign focuses on social media in an effort to attract a broader base of U.S. travelers and alert them of the cities’ changing culture. For a mid-size town, the campaign is filled with big ideas.

It has launched a YouTube video featuring “Daniel Boone,” played by actor George Dixon, along with a cast of Lexingtonians urging city residents to share what’s great about the city — including craft beer and cool boutiques — by word of mouth and on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, TripAdvisor, Yelp and Urbanspoon. The goal is to encourage visitors to Lexington to sample more varied venues in the city and provide them with a more authentic experience.

The bureau knows that many people travel for business, but many also travel to visit with friends. That’s the group they’re targeting: travelers who want an “authentic” Lexington experience guided by those who know the area the best.

“We live here,” says “Daniel Boone,” standing at Boone Creek and taking a swig of creek water. “We have lots to be excited about. And we have plenty of reasons to share.”